Carmen Sylva STUTZ

   Research Notes:

"BOHLS
Carmen Sylva Stutz Bohls passed away at the age of 89 in Boerne, Texas on Saturday, October 9, 2010. She resided in New Braunfels, TX from 1965-2009. Born to Adella Fischer Stutz and John Andrew Stutz, Sr. on February 4, 1921 at home in San Antonio, Texas, she was pre-deceased by husband, Myron A. Bohls, her brothers Edward "Bubby" Stutz, Carl "Happy" Stutz, and John "Johnny" A. Stutz, Jr. She is survived by her beloved daughter Debra "Debbie" Anne Bohls Smith and granddaughter Lauren Michelle Smith of New Braunfels, beloved daughter Karen Elaine Bohls Jochimsen (Jack Jochimsen) and granddaughter Erin Elyse Jochimsen of Houston, and beloved dog Buddy. Carmen's lifelong passion for music began at the tender age of five when she climbed atop a pile of books on the piano bench for her first lesson. At age 12 she starred in her own radio program and by 14 she was appearing in nightclubs. Carmen performed across the country in major city venues including the Hollywood Palladium. In San Antonio, she had a full schedule of performances with local radio stations, hotels, clubs and military bases. With the outbreak of World War II, Carmen traveled to both the Washington D.C. region and up and down the West Coast where she performed for groups from ten to thousands with the USO. In her early radio days, she was known as "Carmelita." Carmen was also known as the featured vocalist "Eileen Powell with the Smiling Green Eyes" on WOAI's Sunset Melodies heard daily across the country. She performed with Tommy Dorsey's Intermission Band and was written up in prominent entertainment magazines. Carmen was always proud of her days as a star pitcher and shortstop with the Pearl Brewery fast pitch women's softball team. She was an avid fisherman and enjoyed rose gardening, cooking, and baking. Granddaughter Erin adored her "Grandma Cookie." Carmen continued to touch many lives through her music and her generous spirit til the end of her life. She brought joy to residents in various nursing homes through her music. Her granddaughter Lauren accompanied her with her vocals from a young age until the the last weeks of her grandmother's life. Just days before her death, Carmen was still playing her piano in the nursing home where she resided. Many of her fellow residents thanked her during her final days for the love and music that she shared with them. Carmen's giving spirit continued even in death with her donation of her body to science...." ²

   Marriage Information:

Carmen married Myron Adolph BOHLS, son of Eldom F. William BOHLS and Bessie Elizabeth GOODMAN, before 1951. (Myron Adolph BOHLS was born about 1916 in Texas, USA and died on 2 Jun 1990 in Comal Co., TX, USA ³.)